#AdventuresAwait attraction of the week:
Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area
94 Jackson Road, Suite 311, Devens, MA
LOCATION: By the numbers:
- 994 square miles and 636,160 acres
- 24.72 percent (158,531 acres) permanently protected conservation lands (easements, public ownership, and conservation trust ownership)
- 23 local land trusts
- 3 National Wildlife Refuges encompassing 7,700 acres
Assabet, Great Meadows , Oxbow - 21 state parks, state forests, and other state‐level public recreation areas
- 1 National Historical Park (Minute Man National Historical Park)
- 13 regional trails, about 121 miles
- 17 National Historic Landmarks
- 337 listings in the National Register of Historic Places
- 61 historic districts
- 39 local governments with historical or heritage commissions
- 21 locally designated historic districts
- 6 Certified Local Governments
- 16,225 surveyed historic sites and areas
- 155 farms serving the general public, plus 28 farmers’ markets
DESCRIPTION: The story of Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area is intimately tied to the character of the land as well, as those who shaped and were shaped by it. Their stories can be found on village commons, along scenic roadways lined with stone walls, in diaries and artifacts, in a cabin by a pond, along a battle road, or hidden deep within a secret glen by the bank of a meandering river. Known or yet to be revealed, these stories provide a narrative that links the past to the future, reinforcing the region’s sense of place.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Meet the Experts at the New Hampshire Old House & Barn Expo! March 24th and 25th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Have fun and learn from experts at this biennial exposition that helps old house and barn owners and enthusiasts with appropriate and affordable restoration and preservation solutions. Create your own show “itinerary” and explore garden, architecture, history and preservation strategies through hourly lectures, and visit with over 60 exhibitors and traditional arts demonstrators. Bring photos of a project to share as you get advice in an “Old House and Barn Doctor” session. Children — and adults — will enjoy an Expo scavenger hunt as well as opportunities to try building crafts.
The event is helpful to homeowners whose houses date from 1750 to 1950, those who want to add old traditions to their new house, and people who just love old building crafts and traditions. Lecture and demonstration topics include an exploration of architectural features of old homes, solutions to common barn repair problems, energy efficiency measures, tips for healthy homes, paint color and garden information, insurance, real estate and financial options, stonewall building, and timber framing.
